Wireless Pet Containment System Review

As a responsible pet owner, you want your beloved furry friends to be safe all the time. This is why you don’t want them straying to unfamiliar places. This is especially true if you live in a highly populated area like a city block or in the suburbs. There’s a chance that your pet strays into the streets where it can get hit by a speeding car. Or it might encounter other dogs that may engage it in a fight.

There are several ways on how to keep these accidents and fights from happening. Tying up your dog should be out of the options because this would be detrimental to your pet’s physical and emotional well-being. You can put up fences and wires but these would be very costly and would take an immense amount of your time. With that said, it’s highly recommended that you seriously consider purchasing a wireless pet containment system. It sounds too technical and complicated but it’s not. It’s merely composed of a wireless transmitter which you set up in your house and a lightweight receiver collar which you put on your dog.

The biggest advantage of using a wireless pet containment system is the fact that it’s invisible. Think of it as the dog fence that dogs can’t either see or smell. The system utilizes radio signals and small electric shocks so you have nothing to worry about. You don’t have to spend thousands of your hard-earned dollars in building a traditional fence just to keep your dogs from straying into dangerous places. Just plug the system to activate the radio signals and you are good to go. But before anything else, you need to take the time to train your dog so that it will respond appropriately to the system’s warning tone and static correction. This isn’t difficult to do because every wireless pet containment system in the market today comes with a detailed guide on how to teach your dog to respond to the system.

How Does A Wireless Pet Containment System Work?

The main purpose of a containment system is to keep your pet from going too far away from your home. In other words, it is specifically designed for pet safety and protection. When you purchase a wireless pet containment system, you are going to get a package that usually includes a wireless transmitter, a receiver collar, training flags, and an instruction manual. These are just the main components. Some manufacturers include additional accessories like test light tools, guide books, extra battery packs, and other related dog kits. Learning how to keep pets safe using the containment system is not that difficult. Just read the instructions in the manual. Make sure that you follow all the steps or the system won’t work. For example, the transmitter and receiver collar should should have enough power so that they can relay signals to each other. The collar in particular won’t be able to make a warning tone or a static correction if its RFA-67D battery is running low.

Setting up the wireless pet containment system takes between thirty minutes to two hours depending on your experience with the device. If you’ve used the device before, you can have it fully set up in under an hour. The hardest part of setting up the system lies in calculating the areas that the radio signals would be able to cover. You have to look for the best place indoors to plug the wireless transmitter. You also have to take into account the range of the containment system you bought. If the range is ninety feet in all directions, you have to make sure that your dog’s playing and roaming area is covered. Basically, your goal is to set up the wireless transmitter in a location wherein all if not most of your property can be covered by the radio signals.

Training Your Dog To Respond Appropriately To The Wireless Pet Containment System
You can’t fully use the containment system if you haven’t trained your dog on how to respond to it. If you use it without proper training, you will only confuse and befuddle your pet. Training your dog can take a few days or even weeks depending on how quickly it is able to read and follow your instructions. Your goal is to teach your dog that there are boundaries to where it can and cannot go. The package comes with white or colored flags which you can use to mark these boundaries. You must teach your dog that when it hears the warning tone or beeping sound, it has to go back and not proceed further. Because if it continues to stray forward, it will be hit by a static correction. This static correction is just a small electric shock which would stop the dog on its track.

For the receiver collar to operate properly, you have to use a battery that has enough power in it. Most of these are rechargeable so make sure these are fully charged before you use them. Furthermore, you need to tighten the collar around the dog’s neck so that the receiver’s contact points are touching the neck and pressed on the dog’s fur. When the receiver and the neck are not in contact, the dog will not be able to feel the static correction. It will still be able to hear the warning tone but this won’t be enough to turn the dog around especially during training mode.

Is It Safe To Use A Wireless Pet Containment System?

Yes, you have nothing to worry about when you set up a wireless pet containment system in your house. Contrary to rumors, the radio signals won’t be affecting the health of your pets. Furthermore, the static correction emitted by the receiver collar is too weak to pose any serious threat to the health and overall well-being of your dog. The static correction will make your dog uncomfortable but it won’t cause any harm. In a nutshell, a containment system that makes use of radio signals and static correction is completely safe. In fact, a lot of veterinarians and pet clinics recommend making use of wireless containment systems.

If you are looking for a reliable wireless pet containment system, know that you have several options to choose from. However, the quality of some of the products are sometimes suspicious. With that said, we’ve made the following guide to help you find the best containment systems and accessories that are available in the market today. And always remember that you need to train your dogs first if you want them to respond appropriately to these systems. So here we go:

Wireless Pet Containment System (PIF-300) by PetSafe

This is probably the most recommended dog containment system ever and for good reasons. First of all, it’s designed and manufactured by PetSafe which is the industry leader when it comes pet safety products. The whole package comes with a high quality transmitter with a power adapter, a receiver collar with RFA-67D batteries, a test light tool, a manual and training guide, about 50 pieces of boundary training flags, and several long contact points in case you have dogs that have long, thick fur. These are everything you need to train and keep your dog from straying or running away.

PetSafe’s PIF-300 is one of the products out there for several reasons. First of all, it offers a wide circular range that can cover up to 180 feet in diameter. Second, it’s very easy to install. You simply plug in the transmitter, put the receiver collar on your dog’s neck and you’re good to go. Third, it’s portable which means you can take it anywhere. Fourth, you can adjust the levels of the static correction to correspond to the size of your dog. You have five levels to choose from. Fifth, the receiver collar has an indicator that notifies you if the battery is running low. The indicator will show if it’s time to recharge or replace the batteries. Usually, the indicator will light up if it can no longer receive radio signals or it doesn’t have power that’s strong enough to trigger the warning beep and the static correction. And last but not the least, the receiver collar is water-proof which means even if your dog frolics in the rain or snow, it will still be able to pick up the radio signals being sent by the transmitter.

Extra Collar For Wireless Containment For Dogs by PetSafe

This is a receiver collar that you must have if you already own the PIF-300. You might be wondering why you should get this particular collar when you already get a collar when you get the PIF-300. Well, this collar is much bigger and it’s ideal for dogs that weigh over fifteen pounds. The regular collar that you get along with the PIF-300 is only good for dogs that weigh between eight and fifteen pounds. With that said, these two types of receiver collars can come in handy if you have several dogs at home with various sizes and weights. The great thing about these collars by PetSafe is that you can use two or three collars with just one wireless transmitter. This extra collar can fit around necks that measure between six and twenty-eight inches. It’s also water-proof and it comes with a low battery indicator.

Automatic Electronic Dog Collar And Radio Wireless Fences For Dogs

This is a good alternative to PetSafe’s PIF-300 because it’s much cheaper and it has all the essential features to keep your dog contained within a specific area. This wireless pet containment system comes with an indoor transmitter that you can mount on the wall, two receiver collars, boundary wire that’s 300 meters long, twenty training flags, screws, metal contact points, and collar batteries. For this system to work, you need to bury the wire under the ground. When the system is operational, the dog will be issued a warning tone when it gets close to the buried wire. When it insists on moving forward, a mild shock will be delivered through the receiver collar. The shocks strengthen as the dog gets nearer to the boundary. This is the main reason why this particular system is effective. The graduating levels of shock teaches the dog that the more steps it takes forward, the more pain it will have to endure. If it learns its lessons well, the dog won’t move an inch forward the moment it feels the initial shock.

Wireless Fence Extra Transmitter by PetSafe

It would be a great idea to keep at least two transmitters in your house especially if you have lots of dogs or if you live in a sprawling home. There are cases wherein a single transmitter won’t be able to get the job done. With two transmitters, you can control up to six dogs at a time. Or if you want the boundaries of the radio signals expanded, you simply have to place the transmitters in locations away from each other. If their boundaries don’t overlap, you can double the area you get covered. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra transmitter because you’ll never know when the other transmitter breaks down or gets damaged. PetSafe’s transmitters are small, lightweight, and portable which means they don’t occupy too much storage space. However, make sure that the place you store them are dry because water and moisture can ruin their radio and transmission systems.

PIF00-12917 Stay And Play Wireless Fence by PetSafe

This is very similar to the PIF-300 but with extra features. It has a receiver collar that can fit into necks measuring between six inches to twenty-three inches. It’s lightweight and portable which makes it ideal for pet owners who are always traveling. Not only that, it has a circular perimeter whose diameter can reach up to 210 feet.

In conclusion, if you really want to contain your dogs within a particular area where they can be safe, it’s recommended that you purchase a wireless pet containment system. It’s affordable, it’s safe for your dogs, and it doesn’t require too much work on your part.

Why having a wireless pet fence system is ideal

Containing your dog is sometimes not an easy task to do, especially if you or other people in your home aren’t there all day; if they find a way out, they most likely will escape, naturally. Typically a wood, vinyl, or chain link fence is used in order to keep the dog on your property but as soon as they find a spot to dig into, they are able to get out and put themselves into danger or take the risk of being lost or stolen. If you have a lot of acres of land, installing fencing around all of it is probably not an option. Not only is a traditional fence an easy way to let their selves loose, it is expensive, takes a lot of time to install, and quite a difficult task to do; so if you don’t have a fence already up but are thinking about it for the sake of a dog, considering other options may be a great solution for you.

A wireless pet fence is a great alternative to traditional fencing in that it contains your dog safely while helps to save you on cost and installation time. The way that a wireless fencing system works is that it surrounds the property that you choose creating boundaries for your dog so that he stays safe and secure without wandering. You simply set the parameters on your transmitter which then sends signals to the collar that you put on your dog. The transmitter sends radio signals to the collar so that if he begins to wander out of range, it will send a noise or vibration warning him to go back, as he is nearing his boundaries. If he doesn’t respond to the noise or vibration, there will be a light shock which will remind him to go back into the yard.

A wireless pet fence system is perfect for one or many dogs; the system is not designed for just one pet, it can be adjusted to however many dogs that you own. Another great feature and benefit of going with a wireless pet fence is that you are able to bring it with you, and set your boundaries, in an entirely new place, such as going on vacation or visiting family. Because of the ease of setting boundaries, it is an extremely easy thing to travel with—much easier than traveling with a kennel or simply putting your dog on a collar and taking the risk of him escaping. It is also great because the dog will be used to the wireless fencing system, where if he is contained while on a long vacation or visit, he will not need to be re-trained.

To train your dog is an essential part of the process of having a wireless fence system, as he needs to know what happens when he tries to leave the boundaries. This is an easy task and typically your dog will catch on quickly as he understands what happens when leaving the parameters. If it seems your dog is having a little trouble adjusting to the new wireless system, place small yard flags or even cones around the boundaries and walk him around them, on a leash, in order to show him that is as far as he is able to roam to. You may want to train your dog by doing intervals for about 10-15 minutes per day until he gets the hang of the system and realizes his boundaries.

Making the invisible fence training session’s fun and showing him that it isn’t a hard thing to grasp by rewarding him once finished is a great way to speed up the training process. Simply placing him within the wireless pet fence system without having any training at all may confuse him and make him unaware of his boundaries; it may deter him from ever being able to grasp the concept of the boundaries. Beginning small and working your way to introducing the warning noises and vibration on his collar is a great thing to do; and should take about 10 days after you’ve began training him, and only a few minutes per day. Once you are well on your way to that stage, allowing the wireless fencing system to do its regular job by gently shocking him once out of range is the next stage, and then he should be acclimated to the new system; of course rewarding him along the way will give you great results.

Wireless pet fence systems are the new trend these days because of the simplicity, portability, and the success that those have who uses the wireless system has. It is extremely easy to set up, with no wires at all, or installation of any kind, and because it is a fraction of the cost of a traditional fence. There are many different wireless pet fences to choose from, ranging in price, different adjustments of correction, and more or less wireless coverage depending upon necessity. Depending on your own needs, if you live in a large home that needs high range coverage and how much reinforcement your dog requires will determine which invisible fence training system you will need. Here is a list of five of the most popular wireless pet fence systems available on the market today:

PetSafe Standard System

Perfect for any dog above five pounds. This wireless system allows up to 105 feet of coverage and features five levels of correction. The PetSafe also has features which include: a beep only mode, a power loss alarm for the transmitter, a water resistant collar, and auto shut off safety feature after 27 seconds, and a low battery light. This invisible fence system also includes training flags and a battery module so that you may use it as soon as you receive it.

Aetertek AT-216F wireless containment fence

Designed for dogs between 15 and 150 pounds. This is a fencing system which is made for a smaller range and adjusts between 0-55 yards. The Aetertek AT-216F system features 10 different shock levels, so depending on your dog’s needs, this is a great system for a smaller boundary range and a dog that requires a higher reinforcement. The receiver is waterproof and rechargeable and comes with an adjustable PVC strap. Other things included with this wireless pet fence are flags for the correcting zones, a user manual, and a test bulb.

PetSafe stubborn dog invisible fencing system

Built especially for those dogs that have a hard time with training and need a higher shock level. This system is designed for dogs that may have a hearing impairment and allows you to cover a range of up to 10 acres. This wireless pet fence system includes a transmitter, collar with battery, AC adapter, and a manual.

PetSafe containment system, model number PIF-275-19

This is a great system to use for dogs that are 8 pounds and above and the collar is adjustable anywhere from 6-28 inches. This system features 5 different correction levels and a tone-only warning mode if you choose not to have your dog gently shocked and a waterproof receiver, as well as a low battery light indicator. What is included with this wireless pet fence system is: the collar, 2 extra batteries, test light tool, and interchangeable contact points; you also get a free calendar.

Havahart wireless radial shape fence

With a choice between small or medium-large dog containment system; the dog must weigh above 8 pounds. This features a large coverage area of anywhere from 4-400 feet, making it for the largest coverage area of any wireless pet fence system. The waterproof collar is adjustable from 14-26 inches and the system itself is able to contain a maximum of two dogs. This system has a trackable device within the collar so that tracking your dog down is an easy thing to do. You are able to set either a tone only or a shockable correction to get your dog back into range. What is included with this system is: the collar, controller, AC adapter power cord, removable wall mount adhesive strips, two rechargeable batteries, battery charger, heart shaped collar tester, 75 training flags, instructional DVD, and a user manual.

Choosing the correct system to fit yours and your dog’s needs is the most essential part of the process, everything else will come easy. The short amount of time it takes to train your dog and set the system up is quite minimal considering the benefits that you will receive. The boundary flags, which are included with each system, are an amazing tool to use when training your dog. To start using your wireless system, simply put the collar on your dog so that he is able to get used to how it feels, as it may be a little heavier than a typical collar due to the reinforcement band. Once you have the collar on, you will be able to push a button that allows you to see a test light; once you do that, walk towards the containment zone until the collar beeps, simply place a boundary flag right there and continue to do so about every 10 feet until your boundary is set.

Other things which need to be taken into consideration when setting up the wireless pet fence is that the collar needs to be adjusted properly to ensure that it doesn’t fall off or your dog cannot remove it with simple acts such as scratching or bathing. The contact point also needs to be placed on the underside of his neck in direct contact with his skin; if you have a dog with long fur, trimming it or moving it aside is ideal as the contact point needs to touch his skin directly. The correct way to ensure a proper fit is to simply put a finger under the collar and be able to snugly fit it yet does not completely constrict your finger. Be sure to re-check the collar once he gets used to it as it may have naturally adjusted since the first time you put it on.

Placing your transmitter in a safe and dry place is essential when setting your wireless pet fence up. Be sure that it is not around anything metal within 3 feet and near a wall outlet. If you choose, you can mount the transmitter or place it on something once you figure out whichever place you are happy and comfortable with the transmitter being at. Once you have chosen the place for your transmitter, plug it into a wall outlet and turn it on. Hold onto the collar yourself and walk out to the boundary flags until you hear the warning tone and see the light illuminate.

To use a wireless pet fence is a perfect way to get your dogs to stay within range and after a while they will naturally know where they are allowed to go. If you have large land that you need covered and traditional fencing just isn’t an option, the invisible fencing system is definitely the way to go. The ease of set up, the quick way of getting your dog trained and able to stay within range and portability of the product makes it extremely convenient as well as cost effective. Because you are able to use your system with multiple dogs, it is an ideal way to contain them.

By comparing the five systems mentioned above, you are sure to find the perfect fit. An ideal system for you is one that is perfect for the weight of your dog, one that gives you enough coverage, and one that allows you to adjust the shock controls so that your dog will benefit from using the wireless pet fence system. Once you are accustomed to using the system you will then be able to see that you can add bases and collars in order to extend the property, if needed, or if you get a new dog you can add extra collars as needed. Either way, a wireless pet fencing system is the only way to go for the peace of mind that your dog is safe and stationed where you choose, as well as giving him the inability to break free like traditional fencing does, while allowing him room to roam and run free.